Di Maria: World Cup Winner Announces When He Will Retire From Argentina National Team

• Angel Di Maria has opened up on his retirement plan
• The 35-year-old played a pivotal role in Argentina's 2022 World Cup triumph
• In 134 appearances for La Albiceleste, Di Maria contributed 58 goal contributions (29 goals and 29 assists)

Angel Di Maria recently discussed his future with the Argentina national team following his absence from this month's international break due to injury.

The former Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain winger indicated that the 2024 Copa America will mark his final tournament representing La Albiceleste.

Over the past two years, Di Maria has secured a revered status within the team, notably scoring crucial goals in two finals that led Argentina to victory.

He scored the solitary goal against Brazil in the 2021 Copa America final, ending Argentina's trophy drought since 1993, and also netted the opener in the team's triumph over France in the 2022 World Cup final.

Canada's World Cup squad: Find out the full roster of team Canada in Qatar

Football

Addressing his future with the national team, the 2022 World Cup winner shared his thoughts with Argentina radio station Urbana Play 104.3, as reported by ESPN.

"I will leave the Argentina national team after the Copa America. It's over for me. It will be the last tournament."

Citing his upcoming departure from the Argentina national team after the next year's Copa America, the 35-year-old, who scored 29 goals in 134 appearances for Argentina, per Transfermarkt, emphasized how this decision influenced his move back to Benfica.

"I came to Benfica to maintain my options of being able to continue in the national team," Di Maria said.

"I knew I had to play in a good team in order to be at a good level. I want to play in the next Copa America, and I'm doing everything possible to be my best in my club and every time I play for Argentina."

Ghana's World Cup squad in 2022: Who is in, out, and why?

Football

Meanwhile, the reigning world champions navigated their way through the World Cup qualifiers unscathed, securing wins against Paraguay and Peru, according to the BBC, to consolidate their position at the top of the CONMEBOL table.

Di Maria on why he snubbed Saudi

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Di Maria has revealed the motives guiding his choice to turn down lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia, opting instead to make a return to SL Benfica during the closing stages of the summer transfer window.

Amid numerous clubs in the Gulf region seeking his signature, the Argentine distinguished himself as one of the rare esteemed football figures who resisted the temptations of the Middle East.

Shedding light on his decision, the 36-year-old winger emphasized his strong emotional connection to Benfica and his unwavering dedication to their aspirations.